1:32nd scale Siemens-Schuckert D.III (Early)

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
I think that possibly there are two problems here.
First - The 'Roden' kit represents the later D.IV aircraft, the lower wings of which had a shorter wing span than the upper wing.
That said I think the span of the kits lower wing span is too short.
Secondly - I think 'Loon Models' assumed that the lower wing span of the early D.III and the later D.IV were the same, when in fact the span of the lower wings on the early D.III was wider than those of the later D.IV.
Therefore they created the replacement resin wing tips and ailerons for the early D.III, but based on the later D.IV kit wing.
A more correct replacement would have been to cut the wing outer sections away at the inboard end of the aileron apertures.
Then add the resin wing outer section, but with an extra inboard 6 mm of wing, including the correct aileron aperture.   
As it is, you'll still need to add the existing resin wing tips following the 'Loon Model' cutting instructions, as then their resin ailerons will fit correctly.
However, this does mean:
1. To represent the lower wing span correctly you still need to add a 6 mm section into each side of the lower wing to increase its overall span.
2.. The strut attachment locations holes need to be moved inboard by 6 mm.

Mike

[smperry]

Looks like some surgery is in order. So pour the surgeon a glass of anesthetic and start to cutting. All filled, sanded, primed and covered in Loz it will be impossible to tell as someone already mentioned.
sp

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
To correct the span of the lower wing:
Wing cut through 30 mm from the wing roots.
Two holes drilled (0.5 mm diameter) into outer wing sections.
Rods (0.5 mm diameter) inserted into holes.
Wings pushed together to indent rods into wing centre section (marks for drilling).
Two holes drilled (0.5 mm diameter) into centre wing section.
Two packs of 6 x 1 mm plastic card cemented together.
Two holes drilled through packs to match rods in the wings.
Packs fitted onto wing rods.
Wing sections and packs aligned then secured together with CA adhesive and liquid cement.
Packs filed and sanded to match the wing profiles.
Wing strut location holes filled and re-drilled 6 mm further inboard.

Mike

[GazzaS]

Nice!

[RichieW]

Masterful stuff Mike.

[Alexis]

Most excellent on the correction Mike 


Terri

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
The fuselage is ready to be closed up.
The kits cockpit was modified by the following:

Addition of photo-etch rear bulkhead, fuselage formers, fuel/oil cock control panel and side box containers.
Added tube for spent cartridge chute.
Added cross bracing to fuselage forward area and cockpit floor (0.4 mm tube - 0.12 mm mono-filament).
Added rudder and double elevator control line (0.4 mm tube - 0.08 mm mono-filament).
Added instrument decals (not supplied in the kit).
Added 0.3 mm lead wiring for magneto starter, starter switch and Tachometer drive, twin gun trigger cables and twin throttles (control column.
Replaced kit supplied oil priming pump and oil and fuel cock controls - 0.4 mm tubing.
Added 0.4 mm lead wire for oil priming pump pipe.

Mike

[Early Bird Fan]

amazing detail work in the cockpit area, looking forward to seeing this come together

[Dave Brewer]

It's all looking magnificent Mike!
Cheers,
Dave.

[kensar]

This will look fantastic when assembled.  Great detail work, Mike.

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
The fuselage right side is now fitted and the rudder and elevator control lines rigged.
Next step is to fit the pilot's seat harness, including the shoulder straps through the rear firewall slots.
Then I can close up the fuselage and fit the seat,

Mike

[RAGIII]

Precise construction, excellent painting, and a very well done wing correction. Just another days work from your talented hands 
RAGIII

[FAf]

That wing extension work is proof of som serious modelling skills! And it's probably more the fact that you did it than then fact that you could do it. Beautiful painting and detailing as well.
/Fredrik

[RichieW]

Wonderfully intricate Mike, I've used up all my superlatives on your superb work!

[Mike Norris]

Hi all,
The fuselage now closed up, including:
Top decking panel
Underside louvred panel
Engine fire wall
Tail plane
Fuselage head rest fairing
Underside access panel and hinge.

Most joint and seams needed filling and sanding.
Next it's applying primer to check for surface imperfections then on with the build,

Mike